Segment 1: Base of Chair 1 to Base of Chair 7 (2.1 miles, 1100' ascent)

This initial segment marks both the start and finish of the course, and it is the only section that is repeated as an out-and-back. Starting at the base of Chair 1, you'll run up along the Rubezal Return Trail until reaching the old "Bermanator" bike trail at the exit of Longhorn. From three, you'll encounter a steep uphill push through Longhorn and Ernie's, followed by travering into the technical single track along the "Minnesota Bench." As you reach Lorelei Road, you'll find the first Aid Station (Orange). This challenging, technical section covers the first and last 2.1 miles of the TSV Half Marathon, gaining approximately 1,100 feet of elevation.

Segment 2: Base of Chair 7 to Base of Chair 12 (1.4 miles, 800' ascent)

This stretch offers a more flowy experience. From the Aid Station (Orange), continue down Lorelei Road toward the base of Chair 7, staying in the designated lane above the construction zone. You'll merge onto the "Very Gneiss" bike trail, following the single track until it meets Winkelreid. From there, you'll follow various service roads through Patton, Shalako, and Easy Trip, covering approximately 1.4 miles with 800 feet of elevation gain, leading you to the base of Chair 12. This section predominantly features single track bike trails and dirt roads with generally straighforward route-finding.

Segment 3: The Alpine (1.9 miles, 1300' ascent, 700' descent)

This 1.9 mile section involves 1,300 feet of steep, rocky, and technical climbing starting at Chair 12. You'll ascend through Prime Real Estate and Main Street to reach the 12,481-foot summit of Kachina Peak. Take in the breathtaking views of Wheeler Peak Wilderness as you reach the top. After summiting, pass through the Aid Station (Yellow) and begin descending the Kachina Ridgeline toward Cabin Chute, traversing up the Highline Ridge toward West Basin. This alpine segment offers stunning vistas, high elevation, and a demanding climb. While the course is well-marked, careful route-finding is essential to naigate the rugged terrain.

Segment 4: The Downhill (1.4 miles, 1200' descent)

After crossing the "Y," which splits the Highline Ridge and West Basin, you'll traverse along the West Basin Ridge, reaching High Somewhere. From here, you'll join the well-defined Sheepherders Trail and descend via the Wild West - one of Taos Ski Valley's best gladed tree ski runs. The Sheepherders Trail leads you out of the Wild West, across Lower Stauffenberg and Whitefeather, ultimately arriving at the Hannes Schneider ski run. This 1.4 mile downhill section descends approximately 1,200 feet, offering a thrilling and scenic descent.

Segment 5: Back Up 'n' Over (2.75 miles, 1100' ascent, 900' descent)

After the sustained downhill, prepare for one more steep climb. You'll ascend Hannes Schneider to a bench, then turn right onto the old "Bermantor" trail - Taos Ski Valley's original bike trail. Follow this trail to the top of Al's Run, then follow the roads around Chair 1 to the top of High Five. Continue along a series of roads and trails into the West Basin, connect onto the Old Camino Sinuoso Road at the bottom of St. Bernard, and follow Camino upward to Lorelei. From there, you'll traverse along the ridgeline toward Pierre's before returning into Lorelei, where you'll descend back down Lorelei Road to you last on course Aid Station (Orange). This segment covers approximately 2.75 miles with 1,100 feet of climbing and 900 feet of descent.

Segment 6: Back to the Base of Chair 1 (2.1 miles, 1100' descent)

Remember climbing up this section at the start of the race? Now it's time to go back down. For the half marathon, this marks the final stretch - just 2.1 miles of descent, dropping 1,100 feet back along the Rubezal Return Trail to the finish line. If you're running the full marathon, congratulations - you're nearly halfway there! After the last Aid Station (Orange), you'll descend the ramaing miles, rejoing the trail you started on, and finish by diverting into Pioneer's Trail, heading toward the finish line.

Segment 1: Bottom of Pioneer to Gold Camp Trail

Upon exiting the Pioneer this section of the race will be on steep village dirt roads until you reach the NTSV gate (watch out for traffic). Once you have reached the gate the course continues as a road (there will be no public vehicle traffic) until you reach the bottom of the gold camp trail. Keep your eye out for berries and mushrooms!

Segment 2: Gold Camp Trail to Bull of the Woods Mountain

From the bottom of the Gold Camp Trail this section of the course is a connection of numerous single track bike trails. Though there are steep sections the grade is predominantly more mellow than the first section. Watch your footing as you summit BOTW Mt. as there is loose rock

Segment 3: BOTW Mountain to Fraser Mountain and Back

BOTW Mt. summit kicks off the alpine section of the course. From here you can see the high point of the venue, Fraser Mt. The alpine section a loop. The course to Fraser will be on Trail 90, narrow section of single track. The descent back to treeline will be on the Fraser Mt. Rd. an old 2-track road. Enjoy the views of TSV!

Segment 4: Cross-Over Trail to Fraser Mt. Rd

As you re-enter the forest, you are not out of woods yet. The course now contours across the property on a series of winding and rolling, wide and narrow single track trails. The first few miles there is no loss in elevation.

Segment 5: Fraser Mt. Rd. to Gold Camp Trail Exit

The Fraser Mt. road to the finish line will be a steady decent on mostly two-track roads. You will eventually re-enter the Gold Camp trail, which is the beginning of following your steps back downhill to the finish line.

Segment 6: Gold Camp Trail to Pioneer and Finish Line

You will now re-trace your steps downhill along the BOTW road to Phoenix Switch-Back Road to the finish line at the bottom of the Pioneer trail. As you re-enter village roads watch out for vehicles.

The full marathon course starts with the Taos Ski Valley Half Marathon and then proceeds over to the Northside Half Marathon, for a full 26 miler! Read both descriptions for full description of the course.

Northside course description coming soon!